Brother Raphael Edes

Raphael Edes Catholic Brother Diocese of Providence

Religious Order: De La Salle Christian Brothers / Brothers of the Christian Schools

Status: Accused; left the Christian Brothers in 1995

Deceased: No

Assignment History

1978-1994: St. Raphael Academy (Pawtucket, RI)

Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Brother Raphael Edes

Brother Raphael Edes is a former member of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, commonly known as the Christian Brothers. He entered the order in 1957. According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy, Edes has been identified as credibly accused of child sexual misconduct.

According to BishopAccountability.org, Edes taught at LaSalle Military Academy in Oakdale, New York, before being assigned to St. Raphael Academy in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, where he served from 1978 to 1994.

Allegations Against Brother Raphael Edes at St. Raphael Academy

According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s report, the Diocese of Providence received a complaint in 1994 alleging that Edes sexually abused a St. Raphael Academy student between 1986 and 1990. The student reportedly attended the school on a scholarship.

The complainant alleged that Edes told him the abuse had to stay between them and warned him that he could lose his scholarship if anyone found out. The alleged abuse reportedly continued until the student graduated. Following the allegation, Edes reportedly underwent psychological treatment in New Mexico and left the Christian Brothers in 1995.

Around 2000, the former student filed a civil lawsuit that reportedly settled.

Additional Allegations and Civil Lawsuits Against Brother Raphael Edes

In 2018, another former St. Raphael Academy student reported that Edes sexually assaulted him when he was a senior in 1986. The complainant stated that he later reported the incident to a teacher at the school after he graduated.

According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s report, the Christian Brothers informed the Diocese in 2018 that they had two additional allegations against Edes on file, including one allegation already known to the Diocese.

In 2020, Edes was named in a lawsuit filed under New York’s Child Victims Act. According to BishopAccountability.org, the lawsuit alleged that Edes sexually abused a minor between 1965 and 1967 while assigned to LaSalle Military Academy in Oakdale, New York.

According to BishopAccountability.org, Edes admitted during a 2025 interview with Rhode Island State Police that he had sexual contact with the former St. Raphael Academy scholarship student, while describing it as “consensual.” He also reportedly acknowledged possible sexual activity with another St. Raphael Academy student and admitted to sexual contact with a male student at LaSalle Military Academy in New York.

Edes was included on the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy and in the Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brother Raphael Edes

Can I sue for sexual abuse by a Catholic brother in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island’s new two-year revival window, beginning July 1, 2026, allows survivors of child sexual abuse to file claims that were previously blocked by the statute of limitations. You can bring a claim during this two-year window regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred. Because there is a deadline to file your claim, survivors should speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

How long do I have to sue for sexual abuse in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island’s new law creates a two-year window for certain older child sexual abuse claims beginning July 1, 2026. Claims must be filed by June 30, 2028. Survivors should not wait, because it may be necessary to gather relevant documents, investigate the claim, and determine the appropriate parties to sue.

Can the Diocese of Providence, a Catholic school, or a religious order be sued for sexual abuse by a brother in Rhode Island?

Possibly. Survivors may have claims against the Diocese of Providence, a Catholic school, a religious order, or another Catholic institution if there is evidence that the institution knew or should have known about the risk of abuse and failed to protect children. Horowitz Law attorneys can review the facts of your case and explain your legal options.

Was Brother Raphael Edes listed as credibly accused by the Diocese of Providence?

Based on the available source information, no. Brother Raphael Edes was included on the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy and in the Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence, but he does not appear to be included on the Diocese of Providence list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor.

Rhode Island Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Rhode Island’s new law creates a two-year revival window, beginning July 1, 2026, for certain older child sexual abuse claims. Horowitz Law is bringing these lawsuits in Rhode Island and has collected evidence of the Diocese of Providence’s negligence. The revival window allows survivors of clergy sexual abuse to pursue claims that were previously blocked by the statute of limitations. Filing deadlines will apply, so survivors should speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

Horowitz Law Is Here to Help

Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests, brothers, religious order members, and other clergy in the Diocese of Providence. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest, brother, or clergy member in Rhode Island, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Diocese of Providence may have legal options due to Rhode Island’s new two-year revival window for certain child sexual abuse claims, but filing deadlines will apply, so do not delay in reaching out to us.

Brother Raphael Edes – Diocese of Providence